Democrats Consolidate Behind Former Maine Senate President for U.S. Senate Nomination

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson secured commitments from nearly two-thirds of the 601 delegates on Sunday, positioning him as the likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. The nominating convention is scheduled for next Saturday in Bangor, where the delegates will have until 5 p.m. on July 27 to choose the nominee.

Democrats met in high school gymnasiums and local community centers throughout the weekend to elect delegates at the county level. Jackson’s emergence as the clear front-runner spares the party some challenges but points to new ones.

One candidate ended her Senate bid on Sunday as Jackson consolidated support in the state’s delegation selection process. The second candidate withdrew shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday and also endorsed Jackson. Jackson has adopted much of Platner’s platform, including support for Medicare for All. The eventual nominee will face the Republican incumbent in November.